U.S. patent application number 14/446239 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-04 for electrical heating device for water pipes.
The applicant listed for this patent is Obeidallah Jamil Obeidallah. Invention is credited to Obeidallah Jamil Obeidallah.
Application Number | 20160029696 14/446239 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55178660 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160029696 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Obeidallah; Obeidallah
Jamil |
February 4, 2016 |
ELECTRICAL HEATING DEVICE FOR WATER PIPES
Abstract
The invention is generally an electrical heating device for
water pipes, and more specifically, a device for enabling a water
pipe with electrical heating, which ignites or vaporizes aromatic
substances via an electric-powered heating element. In exemplary
embodiments, the device includes a housing that keeps the device's
circuitry in thermal isolation from the heating element. The
housing of the device may include openings to allow proper airflow
and may be adapted for secure placement on top of the bowl of a
water pipe. The device is placed on top of a bowl containing an
aromatic substance, and a heating element is thereby placed in
close proximity or in contact with the aromatic substance. Upon
generating a heat output, the aromatic substance may be either
vaporized or ignited for inhalation. Users may simply turn the
device on and enjoy their experience.
Inventors: |
Obeidallah; Obeidallah Jamil;
(Santa Ana, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Obeidallah; Obeidallah Jamil |
Santa Ana |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55178660 |
Appl. No.: |
14/446239 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/329 ;
219/262; 219/267; 392/386 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23Q 7/22 20130101; A24F
1/30 20130101; A24F 47/008 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00; F23Q 7/22 20060101 F23Q007/22; A24F 1/30 20060101
A24F001/30 |
Claims
1. An electric heating device for water pipes, comprising: a
housing configured to couple with a bowl of a water pipe; circuitry
situated within the housing; and a heating element connected to the
circuitry, wherein the heating element is supplied power from a
power source via the circuitry and is configured to generate heat
for vaporizing or igniting an aromatic substance situated in the
bowl.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a first
chamber for housing the circuitry and a second chamber for housing
the heating element, the second chamber configured to thermally
isolate the circuitry from the heating element.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the housing comprises one or more
openings for providing airflow to the first chamber.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the housing includes a perimeter
wall that forms a substantially conical shape so that the first
chamber for housing the circuitry is near an apex of the housing
and the second chamber for housing the heating element is located
near the base of the housing.
5. The device of claim 3, wherein the heating element includes one
or more ceramic heaters.
6. The device of claim 3, wherein the heating element includes a
flexible fiberglass heater.
7. The device of claim 3, wherein the circuitry draws power from a
rechargeable battery.
8. The device of claim 3, wherein the circuitry includes a
controller for controlling the power supplied to the heating
element.
9. An electrically heated water pipe, comprising: a base in fluid
communication with a hose and a bowl, wherein the base forms a
water reservoir, the base connected to the bowl via a stem; a
heating element connected to circuitry, wherein the heating element
is supplied power from a power source and is configured to generate
heat for vaporizing or igniting an aromatic substance situated
inside the bowl; and a housing configured to couple with the bowl,
wherein the housing comprises a first chamber for housing the
circuitry and a second chamber for housing the heating element, the
second chamber configured to thermally isolate the circuitry from
the heating element.
10. The water pipe of claim 9, wherein the housing comprises one or
more openings for providing airflow to the first chamber.
11. The water pipe of claim 10, wherein the housing includes a
perimeter wall that forms a substantially conical shape so that the
first chamber for housing the circuitry is near an apex of the
housing and the second chamber for housing the heating element is
located near the base of the housing.
12. The water pipe of claim 10, wherein the heating element
includes one or more ceramic heaters.
13. The water pipe of claim 10, wherein the heating element
includes a flexible fiberglass heater.
14. The water pipe of claim 10, wherein the circuitry draws power
from a rechargeable battery.
15. The water pipe of claim 10, wherein the circuitry includes a
controller for controlling the power supplied to the heating
element.
16. An electric heating device for water pipes, comprising: a
housing including first and second chambers, the housing configured
to couple with a bowl of a water pipe; circuitry, including a
controller for executing a programmable code to control a heat
output of the heating device, the circuitry situated within the
first chamber of the housing, the first chamber of the housing
configured for thermal isolation from the second chamber of the
housing; and a heating element situated within the second chamber
of the housing and in communication with the controller, wherein
the heating element is supplied power from a power source via the
circuitry and is configured to generate heat in response to a
command from the controller for vaporizing or igniting an aromatic
substance situated in the bowl.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the housing comprises one or
more openings for providing airflow to the first chamber.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the housing includes a
perimeter walls that forms a substantially conical shape so that
the first chamber for housing the circuitry is near an apex of the
housing and the second chamber for housing the heating element is
located near the base of the housing.
19. The device of claim 17, wherein the heating element includes
one or more ceramic heaters.
20. The device of claim 17, wherein the heating element includes a
flexible fiberglass heater.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates in general to an electrical
heating device for water pipes, and more specifically, to a device
for retrofitting a water pipe with electrical heating capabilities,
which ignites or vaporizes aromatic substances via an
electric-powered heating element.
COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent application may
contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The owner
has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the
patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyrights whatsoever.
[0003] Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or
registered trademarks of third parties affiliated or unaffiliated
with the applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is by way of
example and should not be construed as descriptive or to limit the
scope of this invention to material associated only with such
marks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In the past, water pipes--also known as narghile, arghila,
qaly n, shisha, or Hookahs--have been used as instruments for
vaporizing and smoking flavored tobacco or other aromatic
substances. These devices, or water pipes, may be single or
multi-stemmed instruments that typically comprise a water reservoir
through which the smoke is passed before inhalation.
[0005] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a water pipe, or hookah
commonly known in the prior art; the hookah is the type that
requires ignited charcoal to combust or heat the flavored tobacco.
More specifically, FIG. 1 shows hookah 100, depicting the parts and
components that enable a user to enjoy a smoking experience. Hookah
100's various components include bowl 101, which is where an
aromatic substance, such as flavored tobacco, may be placed for
smoking. Bowl grommet 102 and bowl stem 103 connect the bowl of the
hookah to the body or shaft--thereby creating a fluid connection
that allows any smoke created at the bowl (i.e. smoke from burning
the aromatic substance) to flow through a water reservoir and to a
user inhaling through the hookah's hose.
[0006] Tray 104 is typically stabilized by stabilizing ring 105 so
that the tray may rest above hookah shaft 106 and directly below
bowl 101. This way, when charcoal is used to burn the aromatic
substance, for example flavored tobacco, any undesirable ashes or
spent charcoal will be prevented from falling on the floor or table
where the device rests during use. Additionally, tray 104 may be
used to place tools such as tongs commonly used to stir, or
rearrange burning charcoal.
[0007] Hookah shaft 106 further comprises air purge valve 107 and
hose adapter 108. Hookah shaft 106 is coupled to base grommets 109
and securely connected to base 110, which is the device's water
reservoir. Extending from hookah shaft 106 and into the water
reservoir of base 110, is stem 111, which is in fluid connection
with bowl 101 as mentioned above. Extending from hose adapted 108
is hose 112, which is connected to the adapted via hose grommet
113. Typically, hose 112 further comprises a removable mouth tip
for users to share their smoking experience with others. Other
variations of hookah 100 are well known, including multi-stem,
multi-bowl, and multi-hose variations that enable similar smoking
experiences for a group of users.
[0008] A major set-back presented by these prior art devices is the
need to use hot charcoals to burn the aromatic substance. That is,
in order to combust the aromatic substance, charcoal must be
pre-ignited so that when placed atop the bowl, typically on top of
a foil or similar material, the substance will be heated until the
substance burns and produces smoke. The problem lies in the
requirement that the charcoal remain properly ignited so that the
charcoal produces suitable heat; the heat source must be maintained
properly during smoking sessions, thus typically requiring
preparation of additional charcoals or repositioning of the
charcoals. Furthermore, it is typical that byproducts of the
burning charcoal--including volatile gases and Ashes--are spilled
around the hookah, or fall inside the water reservoir. These
byproducts create a mess the user must clean up after each smoking
session (although the tray may alleviate some of the mess created),
and a less pleasant smoking experience (i.e. since water polluted
with burnt charcoal pieces or ashes affect the taste of the smoke
that flows through it). Additionally, a significant fire hazard
exists since burning charcoal may fall to the floor or table and
ignite nearby combustibles. Finally, burning charcoal is difficult
to regulate, hence not every smoking experience may be equally
satisfying.
[0009] Thus, it would be desirable to provide a heat source, or
heating element that avoids the problems presented by the prior art
requirement of utilizing burning charcoal as a source of heat. It
is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to
minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and
understanding the present specification, the present invention
describes an electrically heated water pipe, and more specifically,
a water pipe that is retrofitted with an electrical heating element
that ignites aromatic substances for smoking.
[0011] An electric heating device for water pipes, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a housing
configured to couple with a bowl of a water pipe; circuitry
situated within the housing; and a heating element connected to the
circuitry, wherein the heating element is supplied power from a
power source via the circuitry and is configured to generate heat
for vaporizing or igniting an aromatic substance situated in the
bowl.
[0012] An electrically heated water pipe, in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention, comprises a base in
fluid communication with a hose and a bowl, wherein the base forms
a water reservoir, the base connected to the bowl via a stem; a
heating element connected to circuitry, wherein the heating element
is supplied power from a power source and is configured to generate
heat for vaporizing or igniting an aromatic substance situated
inside the bowl; and a housing configured to couple with the bowl,
wherein the housing comprises a first chamber for housing the
circuitry and a second chamber for housing the heating element, the
second chamber configured to thermally isolate the circuitry from
the heating element.
[0013] An electric heating device for water pipes, in accordance
with yet another embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a
housing including first and second chambers, the housing configured
to couple with a bowl of a water pipe; circuitry, including a
controller for executing a programmable code to control a heat
output of the heating device, the circuitry situated within the
first chamber of the housing, the first chamber of the housing
configured for thermal isolation from the second chamber of the
housing; and a heating element situated within the second chamber
of the housing and in communication with the controller, wherein
the heating element is supplied power from a power source via the
circuitry and is configured to generate heat in response to a
command from the controller for vaporizing or igniting an aromatic
substance situated in the bowl.
[0014] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a
heat source to ignite or vaporize aromatic substances, such as
flavored tobacco, that does not require the use of lit
charcoals.
[0015] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a cleaner smoking experience without undesirable byproducts
produced from combustibles.
[0016] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
provide users with a retrofitted water pipe that does not require
an open flame to ignite.
[0017] These and other advantages and features of the present
invention are not meant as limiting objectives, and are described
herein with specificity so as to make the present invention
understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to
scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding
of the various embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements
that are known to be common and well understood to those in the
industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the
various embodiments of the invention. The drawings that accompany
the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:
[0019] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a water pipe, or hookah
commonly known in the prior art; the hookah is the type that
requires ignited charcoal to combust or heat the flavored tobacco
typically smoked on these devices.
[0020] FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of a water pipe that
has been retrofitted with an electronic heating element in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 3(a) shows a diagram depicting the components of a
device in accordance with one embodiment of present invention.
[0022] FIG. 3(b) shows a diagram depicting the components of a
device in accordance with another embodiment of present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 4(a) depicts one exemplary embodiment of a device in
accordance with the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 4(b) depicts the exemplary embodiment of the heating
element described with reference to FIG. 4(a).
[0025] FIG. 5(a) depicts one exemplary embodiment of a device in
accordance with the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 5(b) depicts the exemplary embodiment of the heating
element described with reference to FIG. 5(a).
[0027] FIG. 6(a) depicts one exemplary embodiment of a device in
accordance with the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 6(b) depicts the exemplary embodiment of the heating
element described with reference to FIG. 6(a).
[0029] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment for a
device in accordance with the present invention, wherein the device
fits snuggly atop a bowl of a water pipe.
[0030] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a water pipe that has
been retrofitted with an electrical heating device, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] In the following discussion that addresses a number of
embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is
made to the accompanying figures that form a part thereof, where
depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific
embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be
understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may
be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0032] Generally, the invention involves an electronic device that
comprises a heating element for combusting or heating aromatic
substances, such as flavored tobacco. As mentioned above in
relation to FIG. 1, the prior art involves use of charcoal, which
carries several set-backs. The present invention overcomes those
setbacks by implementing an electronic heating element that rests
at the top of the bowl of the water pipe. The heating element may
be powered by a rechargeable battery or an adapter that is
connected to any suitable power source. Once properly placed in
contact with the desired substance, the device heats or ignites the
substance without the need to ignite or maintain burning charcoal
during use of the water pipe. The device may comprise a body
configured to support the heating element atop the bowl of a water
pipe. Because heating is accomplished electronically, a user may
simply turn on the device and start inhaling the vapors or smoke
generated therein without concerning themselves over preparing and
maintaining burning charcoal. In exemplary embodiments, the body of
the device may contain channels to facilitate airflow during its
use, and different types of heating elements may be implemented to
achieve a desired heating or combustion of the aromatic substance.
The present invention may be configured for burning substances,
such as flavored tobacco, or vaporizing other aromatic
substances.
[0033] Turning now to the remaining figures, FIG. 2 depicts a cross
sectional view of a water pipe that has been retrofitted with an
electronic heating element in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 depicts electronically
heated water pipe (system 200) including device 201, which rests
atop of bowl 202. Bowl 202 is in fluid communication with stem 203,
which reaches water reservoir 204 of base 205. Base 205 further
comprises valve 206 and hose inlet 207, which connects to hose
208.
[0034] Device 201 comprises a body and a heating element supported
by the body of device 201, wherein the heating element is powered
by a battery. When placed on top of bowl 202, device 201 heats up
substance 209 and creates a vapor or smoke, depending on the
substance being inhaled and temperature provided by device 201's
heating element. That is, in one embodiment of the present
invention, the heating element of device 201 may be heated to a
temperature for combusting substance 209, which would burn the
substance and thus produce smoke for inhaling. In another
embodiment, the heating element of device 201 may be set to a
different temperature for vaporizing substance 209, which would
allow a user to inhale the vapors instead. Thus, device 201 may be
configured for vaporizing a substance or for burning a substance
depending on its intended use.
[0035] Whether vaporizing or burning smoke is desired, device 201
may be placed in an appropriate distance from substance 209 in
order to create the desired effect. In some applications, direct
contact may be used between the heated element of device 201 and
substance 209. In alternative applications, a close proximity
rather than direct contact may be preferred. In either case, device
201 may comprise circuitry such as various resistors and
components, including a potentiometer to allow control of the
temperature that the substance is preferably exposed to. The
internal components of a device in accordance with the present
invention are disclosed in more detail below, in relation to FIG.
3.
[0036] For example, and without limiting the scope of the present
invention, substance 209 may be flavored tobacco. Since flavored
tobacco is typically enjoyed by combusting the substance into an
inhalable smoke, it may be desirable to heat substance 209 until
substance 209 combusts. This in turn would create smoke that may be
pulled by a user inhaling via hose 208. Airflow being drawn through
hose inlet 207 would pull the smoke from bowl 202 through stem 203,
and through water reservoir 204, to the user via hose 208. Because
the user does not need to re-adjust charcoals, maintain a desired
temperature, or clean up a mess after use, system 200 creates a
more desirable smoking experience over prior art devices.
[0037] Turning to the next figure, FIG. 3(a) shows a diagram
depicting the components for a device that can be used to retrofit
a water pipe for electrically heating aromatic substances. More
specifically, the diagram of FIG. 3(a) depicts device 300, which
includes housing 301 for supporting circuitry and a heating
element. Generally, device 300 comprises: housing 301, heating
element 302 (housed in chamber 304a), and circuitry 303 (housed in
chamber 304b), wherein the circuitry includes rechargeable battery
305, thermostat 306, safety fuse 307, potentiometer 308 and for
enabling user control of a desired temperature, and switch 309 for
turning device 300 on or off. As will be discussed further below,
device 300 may be configured to draw power directly form a power
source such as a regular power socket in a home or business; in the
shown embodiment, rechargeable battery 305 may be re-charged and
draw power from such an external power supply 311.
[0038] Housing 301 supports heating element 302 and houses
circuitry 303. Thus, housing 301 may be constructed of any material
that is suitable for containing heat element 302 and protecting
circuitry 303 from damage by the heat radiated from heating element
302. That is, housing 301 should be able to withstand the
temperatures that are generated by heating element 302 without
being damaged or without damaging the circuitry components of
device 300. Typically, housing 301 comprises support members that
allow device 300 to be placed atop a bowl of a water pipe.
[0039] For example, and without limiting the scope of the present
invention, housing 301 may comprise support members 312, which may
extend externally or internally to a wall around heating element
302. Support members 312 may be used to couple device 300 to a
bowl, configuring housing 301 for snuggly fitting on top of the
circumference of the water pipe's bowl.
[0040] Housing 301 may include one or more cavities to house its
components. For example, and without limiting the scope of the
present invention, housing 301 (as shown) includes cavities 304a
and 304b, which house heating element 302 and circuitry 303,
respectively. This may be desirable to both protect the components
of the device's circuitry, and to create a chamber wherein the
generated heat will be maintained throughout use of the device.
That is, in the embodiment shown, chamber 304b houses circuitry 303
and keeps the electrical components safe from the radiated heat
generated by heating element 302; chamber 304a houses heating
element 302 and creates a chamber when device 300 is coupled to a
bowl of a water pipe. This chamber helps to maintain the desired
temperature to properly combust or vaporize the aromatic substance
being exposed to heating element 302.
[0041] To increase airflow and improve the oxygen content within
chamber 304a, in exemplary embodiments, the wall of chamber 304a
may include openings or channels 310; in alternative embodiments,
channels 310 may be adjustable to control a desired airflow
depending, for example, on the number of individuals using the
water pipe at one time.
[0042] Heating element 302 generates the desired heat to either
vaporize or combust an aromatic substance such as flavored tobacco.
Heating element 302 may comprise of heat lamps, incandescent
heating, ceramic heaters, immersion heaters, glass-rope heaters, or
any other type of heating device that is suitable for generating a
heat source that either vaporizes or ignites an aromatic substance.
Different embodiments of heating elements in accordance with the
present invention are discussed in more detail below with reference
to FIG. 4(a)-6(b). As mentioned above, heating element 302 is
connected to device 300's circuitry, but resides in an external
chamber or chamber 304a, which may be external to or shielded from
circuitry 303.
[0043] Circuitry 303 may include rechargeable battery 305, which
draws power from a power source 305 and provides an adequate
voltage to heating element 302. Circuitry 303 may also include
thermostat 306 to control the temperature of heating element 302,
safety fuse 307 to prevent electrical damage from unforeseen
malfunctions, and potentiometer 308 to provide users with a means
to manually control the temperature generated by heating element
302. Circuitry 303 may also include switch 309 for turning power on
or off; alternatively, switch 309 may be implemented with
potentiometer 308--furthermore, it should be noted that circuitry
303 may include more or less components that are well known in the
art, including one or more resistors, conductors, and any other
well known components typical of circuitry used to power and
control heating elements.
[0044] Rechargeable battery 305 may be any type of suitable battery
that can draw power from a power source such as an electricity
socket at a home or a business. Rechargeable battery 305 is
preferably removable, or may have a removable component to
facilitate recharging device 300. Rechargeable battery 305 may
include different interfaces for charging device 300, including but
not limited to electric lighter adapters, USB adapters, or any
other adapter that enables rechargeable battery to draw power from
different types of power sources. Furthermore, rechargeable battery
305 has the necessary components to supply an adequate voltage to
heating element 302. For example, and without deviating from the
scope of the present invention, rechargeable battery 305 may supply
a lower voltage to heating element 302 than a voltage supply
directly drawn from a typical socket. In alternative embodiments,
other components for supplying an adequate voltage to heating
element 302 may be implemented. For example, and without deviating
from the scope of the present invention, a small step-down
transformer may be implemented instead of rechargeable battery 305
in order to draw power from a typical 120 volt input, and output a
lower voltage suitable for heating element 302. In such embodiment,
device 300 may require an electrical cord to connect directly to
power source 311.
[0045] As mentioned above, one or more components may be
implemented in device 300's circuitry in order to control the heat
output generated by heating element 302. The example embodiment
shown depicts thermostat 306, safety fuse 307, potentiometer 308,
and switch 309--however more or less components may be utilized to
enable heating element 302 with the require power to generate and
radiate enough heat. A simple circuitry containing these elements
enables a user to safely configure the device for any desired
temperature suitable for vaporizing or combusting an aromatic
substance.
[0046] FIG. 3(b) shows a diagram depicting the components of a
device in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention. More specifically, FIG. 3(b) depicts a device similar to
that described in reference to FIG. 3(a), however, with a different
circuitry 303. With reference to FIG. 3(b) circuitry 303 comprises
the same components, except that potentiometer 308 may be omitted
or replaced, and instead circuitry 303 includes controller 313,
user interface 314, and a very basic memory 315 for storing one or
more basic programmable instructions to control heating element
302. Naturally, with this configuration, device 300 components will
have to be configured to communicate with controller 313.
[0047] For example, and in no way limiting the scope of the present
invention, controller 313 may include a basic logic, or executable
program code, that enables control of the heat generated by heating
element 302. To this end, a basic memory, such as memory 315 may be
included in circuitry 303. Thermostat 306, safety fuse 307, and
switch 309 may be configured in circuitry 303 so that they are all
in communication with controller 313. Furthermore, circuitry 303
may further include user interface 314, which may be a simple dial
input device such as a potentiometer, or a more complex
input/output device that allows a user to input a desired
temperature range to which maintain heating element 302.
[0048] For example, and without deviating from the scope of the
present invention, in one embodiment user interface 314 may include
a digital display with several inputs to increase or decrease a
desired temperature setting. In another embodiment, user interface
314 may include a touchscreen display to provide this
functionality. In yet another embodiment, a user interface may
simply include an input button for setting the temperature and or
turning the device on or off.
[0049] Turning to the next figures, FIG. 4(a)-(b) depict one
exemplary embodiment of a device and heating element, in accordance
with the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 4(a) depicts
device 400, which includes housing 401, circuitry 402, power supply
403, and heating element 404. In the shown embodiment, heating
element 404 comprises of a plurality of ceramic heaters 405, a
close-up of which is shown in FIG. 4(b). Each of ceramic heaters
405 comprises a ceramic body or encasing 406, which includes
resistance element 407--encasing 406 typically packed with a
suitable insulating material, such as magnesium oxide, to encase
resistance element 407.
[0050] In order to supply adequate power, ceramic heaters 405 also
include flexible insulated lead wires 408, which supply a suitable
voltage to resistance element 407. It should be noted that these
components are well known, and ceramic heaters are used for a
variety of purposes, including outdoor cooking appliances; similar
ceramic heaters may be utilized in accordance with the present
invention.
[0051] FIG. 5(a)-(b) depict another exemplary embodiment of a
device and heating element, in accordance with the present
invention. In such embodiment, a single heating element as oppose
to a plurality, may be used. More specifically, FIG. 5(a) depicts
device 500, which includes housing 501, circuitry 502, power supply
503, and heating element 504. In the shown embodiment, heating
element 504 comprises of a single ceramic heater, similar to the
plurality of heaters 405, a close-up of which is shown in FIG.
5(b). Ceramic heater 504 comprises a wide ceramic body or encasing
506, which includes resistance element 507--encasing 506 typically
packed with a suitable insulating material, such as magnesium
oxide, to encase resistance element 507. Like the embodiment
described and shown in FIG. 4(a)-(b), ceramic heater 504 also
includes flexible insulated lead wires 408, which supply a suitable
voltage to resistance element 507.
[0052] FIG. 6(a)-(b) depict yet another exemplary embodiment of a
device and heating element, in accordance with the present
invention. More specifically, FIG. 6(a) depicts device 600, which
includes housing 601, circuitry 602, power supply 603, and heating
element 604. In the shown embodiment, heating element 604 comprises
of a single glass-rope or flexible heater 405, a close-up of which
is shown in FIG. 6(b). This type of heater comprises flexible body
605, which is typically constructed of flexible fiber glass,
created with a woven fiber glass braid clamped with retaining bands
606. Like the heaters described in the embodiments above, a
resistance wire element 607 is embedded within flexible body 605
and connected to flexible fiberglass leads 604, which supply a
suitable voltage to generate heat.
[0053] Now turning to the next figure, FIG. 7 shows a
cross-sectional view of an embodiment for a device in accordance
with the present invention, wherein the device fits snuggly atop a
bowl of a water pipe. More specifically, FIG. 7 depicts device 700,
which includes housing 701 and bowl 709. Housing 701 is removably
coupled to bowl 709 and comprises heating element 702 (housed in
chamber 704a), and circuitry 703 (housed in chamber 704b), wherein
the circuitry includes power supply 705 and control switch 706 for
controlling the temperature output of device 700, and to turn the
device on or off.
[0054] Housing 701 supports heating element 702 and houses
circuitry 703. Thus, housing 301 may be constructed of any material
that is suitable for containing heat element 702 and protecting
circuitry 703 from damage by the heat radiated from heating element
702. That is, housing 701 should be able to withstand the
temperatures that are generated by heating element 702 without
being damaged or without damaging the circuitry components of
device 700. Housing 701 comprises perimeter walls 707, which form a
substantially conical shape with chamber 704b towards its apex and
chamber 704a towards the base. At the bottom of perimeter walls
707, and protruding in the interior of perimeter walls 707, extend
support members 708, which allow device 700 to be placed atop bowl
709 in a tight fit--this configuration allows for stability and
sturdiness of the device.
[0055] Housing 701 may include one or more cavities or chambers to
house its components. For example, and without limiting the scope
of the present invention, housing 701 includes cavities 704a and
704b, which house heating element 702 and circuitry 703,
respectively. This may be desirable to both protect the components
of the device's circuitry, and to create a chamber wherein the
generated heat will be maintained throughout use of the device--as
described above in relation to FIG. 3. Furthermore, to increase
airflow and improve the oxygen content within chamber 704a, in
exemplary embodiments, perimeter walls 707 of chamber 704a may
include openings or channels 710; in alternative embodiments,
channels 710 may be adjustable to control a desired airflow
depending, for example, on the number of individuals using the
water pipe at one time.
[0056] Heating element 702 comprises of ceramic heaters similar to
those shown and described in reference to FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b).
Heating element 702 may comprise such a plurality of ceramic
heaters, wherein they reach into bowl 709 in a manner so that they
make contact with the aromatic substance.
[0057] Circuitry 703 and rechargeable battery 705 may be configured
in a similar manner as any of the embodiments described above. For
example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention,
circuitry 703 may include the components described with reference
to FIG. 3 or any other variation of resistors, connectors, a
potentiometer, and/or switches in order to properly supply power
and control a heat output generated by heating element 702.
Similarly, power supply 705 may include a rechargeable battery with
different interfaces for charging device 700, including but not
limited to electric lighter adapters, USB adapters, or any other
adapter that enables power supply 705 to draw power from different
types of power sources--so long as circuitry 703 and power supply
705 have the necessary components to supply an adequate voltage to
heating element 702.
[0058] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a water pipe that has
been retrofitted with an electrical heating device, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More
specifically, FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of device 700 in
use. Device 700 may be coupled to bowl 709 via a frictional force
created between support member 708 and the inner walls of bowl 709.
Alternatively, and without limiting the scope of the present
invention, other means of coupling the device to bowl 709 may be
implemented such as using snap-on components, clamps, or any other
attaching means.
[0059] An electrical heating device for water pipes has been
described. The foregoing description of the various exemplary
embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of
illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or
to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching without departing from the spirit of the invention.
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